Succulent Pot Size Guide: 8 Things You Need To Know

Choosing the right pot size for your succulent is crucial for the health and growth of your plant.

Succulents are known for their ability to thrive in harsh conditions, but choosing the wrong pot size can lead to root rot, stunted growth, and even damage to it.

Determining the right pot size for your succulent can be challenging, especially if you’re a beginner.

Factors like the size of your Succulent plant, the type of soil it requires, the amount of sunlight it needs, and the climate you live in all play a role in selecting the right pot.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about succulent pot size, including how big the pot should be, how deep it should be, and how to tell if your succulent needs a bigger pot.

Key Takeaways

• Choosing the right pot size for your succulent is crucial for its health and growth.
• Factors like the size of your succulent plant, the type of soil it requires, the amount of sunlight it needs, and the climate you live in all play a role in selecting the right pot.
• The ideal pot size for a succulent should be about 10% wider than the plant itself, and the depth of the pot should be 10% bigger than the plant.

How Big Should a Succulent Pot Be?

A pot that is too small can constrict the roots and limit the amount of nutrients and water your Succulent can absorb, while a pot that is too big can hold too much moisture and lead to root rot.

The ideal pot size for a succulent should be about 10% wider than the plant itself. This will give your plant enough room to grow without crowding the roots or having too much soil. The depth of the pot should be about 10% bigger than the plant as well.

For example, if your succulent is about 4″ across at its widest point, you should look for a pot that is about 4.5″-5″ in diameter. This includes both the above and below-ground portions of the succulent plant!

Choosing a pot that’s the right size will give your succulent enough space to grow without overcrowding the roots or having excess soil.

It’s also important to consider the growth rate of your succulent when choosing a pot size. If your succulent is a slow grower, you can choose a slightly larger pot, but if your succulent is a fast grower, you may need to choose a smaller pot to prevent overgrowth.

In addition to size, you should also consider the material of the pot. For succulents, it’s important to choose a pot that has good drainage to prevent water from pooling and causing root rot.

Terra cotta pots are a good option because they allow for air and water exchange, but any pot with drainage holes will work.

How Deep Should a Succulent Pot Be?

When selecting a pot for your succulent, depth is just as important as width. Succulent roots are shallow and spread out horizontally, so a deep pot is not necessary.

In fact, a shallow pot is often better as it allows for better drainage and airflow to the roots.

Choose a pot that is about 5-10% more deep than the length of the Succulent plant. This ensures that the roots have enough space to grow and the Succulent has enough room to anchor itself.

However, it is important to note that the depth of the pot should not exceed the width of the pot. This can cause excess water to accumulate, leading to root rot.

When repotting your succulent, make sure to choose a pot with drainage holes. This allows excess water to escape and prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged. Without proper drainage, the roots can suffocate and rot, leading to the death of the plant.

Airflow is also important for succulent health. A shallow pot allows for better airflow to the roots, which helps regulate moisture levels. In addition, a pot with a wider opening allows for more air to circulate around the plant, preventing the leaves from becoming too moist and susceptible to rot.

How do I know if my succulent needs a bigger pot?

If you notice your succulent’s roots are growing out of the drainage holes, the plant is wilting despite regular watering, or the leaves are turning yellow or brown, it may be time to repot your plant into a larger pot.

Here are these ways in detail:

Check the roots

One way to determine if your succulent needs a bigger pot is to check the roots. If the roots are growing out of the drainage holes or circling around the bottom of the pot, it may be time to repot your plant.

The roots need space to grow and absorb nutrients, and a pot that is too small can stunt their growth.

Observe the Succulent’s health

Another way to tell if your succulent needs a bigger pot is to observe the plant’s health.

If the leaves are turning yellow or brown, or the plant is wilting despite regular watering, it may be a sign that the roots are overcrowded and need more space to grow.

A bigger pot can provide the plant with more room to absorb water and nutrients, leading to healthier growth.

Consider the pot size relative to the Succulent plant size

When choosing a pot for your succulent, it’s important to consider the pot size relative to the plant size.

A pot that is too small can limit the plant’s growth, while a pot that is too big can lead to overwatering and root rot.

As a general rule, choose a pot that is about 10% larger in diameter than the plant at its widest point.

Indoor or outdoor succulent plants

It’s also important to consider whether your succulent is an indoor or outdoor plant. Outdoor plants may need larger pots to accommodate their growth, while indoor plants may be able to thrive in smaller pots.

Additionally, outdoor plants may require more frequent watering than indoor plants, so a larger pot can help retain moisture in the soil.

How do I know if my pot is too small for succulents?

If you notice that your succulent is not growing well, the leaves are turning yellow, or the roots are growing out of the drainage holes, it might be an indication that the pot is too small.

The roots of the succulent need enough space to grow, and if they are cramped, they cannot absorb the nutrients from the soil, which can lead to stunted growth or even death.

Checking the diameter of the pot and ensuring that it is at least one inch wider than the diameter of the plant can help in determining if the pot is too small.

Do Succulents Do Better in Shallow or Deep Pots?

Succulents do better in shallow pots with proper drainage and just enough soil to encourage root growth. Deep pots can be used, but only if grown outdoors and with proper moisture regulation and airflow to prevent root rot.

It’s best to choose a pot that is only slightly wider than the plant itself, and opt for a shallow pot over a deep one. A pot with a depth that is 10% larger than the plant is ideal for encouraging the roots and plant to spread out.

This will provide enough room for the roots to spread out and grow, but not so much soil that it will retain too much moisture, which can lead to root rot.

To ensure healthy growth of your potted succulent, proper drainage is crucial regardless of the pot’s depth.

The pot should have an efficient drainage system to prevent water from accumulating in the soil, which can ultimately lead to plant rot.

While choosing the material for your pot is largely a matter of personal preference, it’s important to consider the location where the succulent will be placed, as some materials are better suited for outdoor use while others are more suitable for indoor settings.

What Size Pot You Need to Plant Multiple Succulent Together?

When it comes to planting multiple succulents together, the size of the pot is crucial. You want to make sure that the container is large enough to accommodate the plants’ growth, but not so large that it retains excess water.

The general rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is one size larger than the current container for each additional plant. For example, if you have two succulents in 4-inch pots, you’ll want to use a 6-inch pot for both of them.

It’s important to note that planting multiple succulents together in one pot can be beneficial for their growth. They can share resources, and the container can provide a more humid environment. However, it’s crucial to choose a container that is appropriate for the size of the plants.

When planting multiple succulents together, it’s important to consider their individual growth habits. If one Succulent grows much larger than the others, it may be best to plant it in a separate container.

Additionally, when choosing a pot size for multiple succulents, consider the container’s depth. Succulents have shallow root systems, so a shallow container may be more appropriate than a deep one.

Why is Choosing the Right Pot Size for Succulent Important?

Choosing the right pot size for your succulent is crucial for its health and growth. The size of the pot can affect the plant’s root system, drainage, and overall health.

When a succulent is planted in a pot that is too small, the roots become constricted, and the plant may not receive enough nutrients and water. This can lead to stunted growth, and the plant may even die.

On the other hand, planting a succulent in a pot that is too large can lead to excess water retention, which can cause root rot and other issues.

Proper drainage is also essential for succulent health. When a pot does not have proper drainage, excess water can accumulate at the bottom of the pot, leading to root rot and other issues. Choosing a pot with drainage holes and using a well-draining soil mix can help prevent these problems.

The material of the pot can also affect the plant’s health. Porous materials, such as terracotta, allow for proper air circulation and can help prevent overwatering. However, non-porous materials, such as plastic, can trap moisture and lead to excess water retention.

In addition to the pot size, the size of the plant itself should also be considered. A general rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is one size larger than the plant’s nursery pot. This allows for proper growth and prevents the plant from becoming root-bound.

Overall, choosing the right pot size for your succulent is essential for its health and growth. Consider the size of the plant, the material of the pot, and proper drainage to ensure your succulent thrives in its new home.

Factors to Look into While Choosing the Right Pot Size for Succulent

Choosing the right pot size for your succulent is essential for its healthy growth.

When choosing the right pot size for your succulent, consider the material, drainage hole, size and shape, porosity, breathability, durability, and cost.

Here are these factors in detail:

1. Material

The material of the pot is an essential factor to consider while choosing the right pot size for your succulent. Some common materials for succulent pots are ceramic, terracotta, plastic, metal, and wood.

Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. For instance, ceramic pots are heavy, durable, and come in various designs, while plastic pots are lightweight, affordable, and come in different shapes and sizes.

2. Drainage Hole

A drainage hole is a crucial factor to consider while choosing the right pot size for your succulent.

A pot with a drainage hole will allow excess water to escape, preventing waterlogging, which can damage the roots of your succulent.

3. Size and Shape

The size and shape of the pot are also essential factors to consider while choosing the right pot size for your succulent.

A pot that is too small may restrict the growth of your succulent, while a pot that is too large may cause the soil to retain too much moisture, leading to root rot. The shape of the pot is also important.

For example, shallow pots are suitable for succulents with shallow roots, while deeper pots are suitable for succulents with deeper roots.

4. Porous and Breathable

Succulent pots that are porous and breathable are ideal for healthy succulent growth.

Porous materials such as terracotta, unglazed ceramic, and concrete allow air and moisture to penetrate the soil, promoting healthy root growth.

5. Durability and Cost

The durability and cost of the pot are also essential factors to consider while choosing the right pot size for your succulent.

While some materials such as ceramic and pottery may be more expensive, they are durable and can last for years. On the other hand, plastic and resin pots may be more affordable but may not last as long.

Frequently Asked Questions